BREAKING; Packers Sign Irish Kicker to Replace Alex Hale, Fill IPP Slot on Roster

The Green Bay Packers, for a team that has the kicker position under control, has made a few notable transactions regarding the position. After waiving Brayden Narveson midway through the season last year, Green Bay signed free agent kicker Brandon McManus for the remainder of the season. The long-time veteran had one of of the best seasons for a kicker in franchise history, making 95% of his field goal tries and 100% of his extra point attempts.

And so, since McManus saved the Packers from over a year of inconsistent play from the kicker position, Green Bay decided to ink him to a three-year contract earlier this offseason.

In recent days, the Packers also released international player pathway kicker Alex Hale, who suffered a freak eye injury during a workout.

On Tuesday, Green Bay replaced Hale with another international player.

The Green Bay Packers Have Signed Irish Kicker Mark McNamee

On Tuesday afternoon, it was reported that Hale, who was part of the international player pathway as he is from Australia, was being replaced by Irish kicker Mark McNamee, who will take his place in the pathway and be an extra leg for the Packers during training camp.

McNamee, a professional soccer goalie, was previously undrafted by any teams in the 2025 NFL Draft. Afterwards, he was selected in the second round of the CFL Draft by the BC Lions. He was 2/2 on his field goal attempts in their preseason games (from 32 yards and 42 yards), but was released by the Lions on June 1.

McManus, of course, will be Green Bay’s starting kicker for the 2025 NFL season and McNamee will eventually be released and re-signed to the practice squad.

What is interesting, though, about having McNamee on the roster is that the Packers now have two Irish-born specialists on the roster. Punter Daniel Whelan was also born in Ireland.